STORM WATCH: What To Do If Power Goes Out, Flooding Occurs

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These could become popular signs as a major wind and rain storm hits the valley today.

(SALEM) - Heavy rains and strong winds have returned to the Salem-area. Here are some tips to keep you and your family Safe & Sound during the storm. As of noon, some minor street flooding was reported throughout the mid-valley, along with some minor fender benders. No power or telephone outages were being reported. OSP says one person has died in a two vehicle crash on Highway 101 near Seal Rock. The southbound lane is blocked, so expect delays in the area. There is some school closure information: Bethany Charter School in Silverton is closing because of no electricity. Parents can pick children up at school. Buses will be transporting regular riders home at 11:30 AM if parents give permission. Lincoln Co. SD - There will be a 2 hour early release in Lincoln County for all schools including Eddyville Charter School and Siletz Valley Charter School. Marion County Public Works says the Wheatland Ferry will close at 6:00 PM Thursday due to the high river levels. The ferry will remain closed through Christmas Day and is expected to reopen Dec. 26th PGE has some tips on what to do before the storm hits. 1. Prepare an emergency kit that contains: 2. Flashlight 3. Extra batteries 4. Wind-up or battery-powered alarm clock 5. Manual can opener 6. Battery-powered radio or TV 7. 72-hour supply of ready-to-eat food and water 8. Extra blankets 9. Paper plates and utensils 10. Firewood for a fireplace or wood stove 11. Matches 12. Thermos And of course something to help pass the time, such as books, board games and playing cards. What to do at your home if your power goes out: 1. Check your fuse or breaker box for blown fuses or tripped circuits. If they’re OK, check to see if your neighbors are without power. 2. Call your power company immediately to report the outage. Please call only once so other customers can get through. 3. Turn off all electrical equipment, including your water heater, electric furnace or heaters, stove, washer and dryer, stereo and TV, to help prevent overloading the system when power is restored. (Major appliances can be turned off at the breaker box.) Do however, turn on a porch light and one inside light so you and PGE’s crews will know when service is restored. 4. Listen to a battery-powered radio for outage updates. 5. If your neighbor’s power comes back on but yours does not, call your power company again. 6. If your lights are very dim or bright once power is restored, turn off the power at the breaker or fuse box and call your power company. 7. Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed. Food in a refrigerator will last for 12 to 24 hours if kept cool. A full freezer can last for 24 to 48 hours. 8. Leave a light on inside your house and outside, so you and repair crews know when power is restored. When the power comes back on, turn appliances and lights back on slowly. 9. Lend a hand to neighbors or relatives who may need assistance. Power Outage Phone Numbers: PGE: (800) 544-1795 Salem Electric: (503) 362-3601 Pacific Power: (877) 548-3768 Consumers Power: (800) 827-9036 Monmouth: (503) 838-3526 McMinnville: (503) 472-6158 Canby: (503) 266-4021 Avista: (800) 227-9187 Here are some tips from experts on what to do before and after a flood. What to do before and during heavy rains: Be aware of flash floods. If there is any possibility of a flash flood occurring, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move. Listen to radio or television stations for local information. Be aware of streams, drainage channels and areas known to flood suddenly. If local authorities issue a flood watch, prepare to evacuate. Secure your home. If instructed, turn off utilities at the main switches or valves. Disconnect electrical appliances, but do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water. Fill your car with fuel. Fill the bathtub with water in case water becomes contaminated or services cut off. Sterilize the bathtub first. Stay away from floodwaters. They could be contaminated. Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet. If you must walk in a flooded area, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you. Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground. When deep flooding is likely, permit the floodwaters to flow freely into the basement of your home (or flood the basement yourself with clean water, if you are sure it will be flooded anyway). This will avoid structural damage to the foundation and the house by equalizing the water pressure on the outside of the basement walls and floors. What to do after a flood: Stay away from floodwaters. The water may be contaminated by oil gasoline or raw sewage. The water may also be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines. Stay away from moving water. Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car. Stay away from downed power lines and report them to the power company. Stay away from disaster areas unless authorities ask for volunteers. Continue listening to a battery-powered radio for information. Consider your family's health and safety needs. Wash your hands frequently with soap and clean water. Listen for news reports to learn whether the community's water supply is safe to drink. Contact your insurance agent. To prepare: Take photos of or videotape your belongings and your home. Separate damaged and undamaged belongings. Locate your financial records. Keep detailed records of cleanup costs.